2050-7-18 News Article
PNDV-1 Spread is more rapid than originally believed.
Infected County Fights Against Restrictive Measures
PRESTONE COUNTY - Preston County infection levels for the PNDV-1 virus have rapidly spiked in the last two weeks, according to field researchers from genetic research company NuvoPharm. The virus is appearing to be more virulent and more deadly than had been previously believed, with the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals at higher risk. A spokesperson for NuvoPharm says that the rates justify quarantining the county and restricting movement in and out of the region. "This virus appears to be both airborne and in bodily fluids. It also appears to be highly resistant to antivirals and it replicates quickly. From our research thus far, incubation is long, approximately 10 days to first symptoms. So this can be carried and transmitted for more than a week before any symptoms set in," said NuvoPharm Field Operations Chief Daniel Fitzhugh. "The more dangerous thing about this virus is that once symptoms start, the progression is amazingly rapid. The virus sets up shop in the lungs first, causing a thick mucus layer to form. This layer begins filling the alveoli, making breathing more difficult. Simultaneously, the virus attacks kidney function, and even healthy individuals progress quickly to renal failure within days or even hours." Renal failure leads to the body being unable to process toxins and waste. The already labored becomes yet more difficult as fluid builds up in the body. Patients become unable to keep foods down, and the risk of heart disease and stroke increases dramatically. In a normal situation, this progression can take years, and perhaps never actually reach the level of renal failure. NuvoPharm's research has shown that this can occur in hours, sometimes just overnight when induced by the PNDV-1 virus. "It's a bit scary. We've seen patients that have a slight cough when they come in die within hours due to respiratory and renal failure. It's very fast and very transmissible" said Fitzhugh.The urgency, however, is not shared by Preston County administrators. In a 6-1 vote last night, the county supervisors rejected the idea of quarantining or taking any of the precautions mentioned in the NuvoPharm report. "We will not subject our citizens to this uncalled-for imposition on their rights. Our citizens can make informed decisions on their own about their health and we will not submit to restrictions suggested by a company that stands to benefit from using our citizens as research subjects and guinea pigs," said Marvin Blackwell, Chair of the Prestone County Supervisors. "We choose to live our lives without fear. This virus, as it is called, seems to just be a ploy by the pharmaceutical industry to further their profits at the expense of our freedoms. This will not stand, and we will fight it legally and by any means necessary."
"We choose to live our lives without fear. This virus, as it is called, seems to just be a ploy by the pharmaceutical industry to further their profits at the expense of our freedoms. This will not stand, and we will fight it legally and by any means necessary."NuvoPharm and other researchers warn that this virus may be more dangerous than anyone had predicted. While it seems to be localized, the ease of transmission for this virus is considered to be a factor in its spread. "If this virus gets out of this region, there is no telling how many will be infected. If the mortality rate of current infections continues, we could see deaths in the hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of individuals. Until there is a vaccine for this virus, we hope that we can persuade people to act in an abundance of caution" said Fitzhugh.
Regions react to restriction suggestions
In response to the findings in Prestone County, NuvoPharm has suggested restrictions to prevent the spread of the PNDV-1 virus. These include: - Establishing a perimeter around Prestone County- Restricting travel to and from the county
- Enforcing a stay-at-home order for all residents of Prestone County These restrictions are designed to contain the PNDV-1 virus to the region, in hopes that it will not spread further. There has not been a determination of where the virus originated, but the cases in Prestone County are the most virulent and widespread seen thus far. Reactions from other regions have been mixed. While some regions have concurred with the restrictions, others have bristeled at even the suggestion of intervention or any type of restriction. In Southam County, county supervisors have released a statement in support of the restrictions, citing their desire to protect their citizens. "If restricting the movement of residents of Prestone County keeps our residents safe, we support it. If we were in their place, we would support the measures in our own county", from a statement by the Southam County Supervisors. Supervisors of nearby Derecho County, however, had a much different opinion. In a statement released soon after the NuvoPharm memo, the Derecho County board states "We respect the rights and freedoms of our citizens, and in fact, all citizens. Until there is more substantial levidence about the nature of this virus, we will not comply with these onerous restrictions. We also stand ready to accept citizens from Prestone County who choose to escape these draconian measures.
Comments